Abstract: A distributed control system controlling a plurality of subprocesses wherein each of the process control computers (44, 46, 48) executes a preprogrammed set of instructions (50-62) identical to the preprogrammed set of instructions (50-62) in the other process control computers (44, 46, 48) in the distributed control system. Inputs from field devices (76, 78, 80) are connected between each subprocess and the process control computer (44, 46, 48) providing control therefor as well as between each subprocess and the process control computer (44, 46, 48) providing redundant safety backup of the operational safety. One or more of the process control computer (44, 46, 48) in the distributed control system executes some preprogrammed set of instructions (50-62) as part of the preprogrammed set of instructions for which there are no inputs from field devices (76, 78, 80) or output control signals to field devices (76, 78, 80).

Abstract: A mounting and traversing assembly (10) particularly suited for employment with an in situ particle size measuring device.

Abstract: A furnace burns coal where the coal is decreased to a fine size to expand the surface of the carbon in the coal to a predetermined amount of free oxygen from air to militate against reduction of alkali compounds in the coal. Further, the temperature of the combustion is controlled to a predetermined maximum by recirculation of cooled flue gas to complete the control over the alkali compounds in the coal and prevent the formation of tube-fouling silicates.

Abstract: Centrifugal air classifiers without rotating classifying blades are frequently used in present-day coal-fired power stations. For economical reasons, these obtain the coal to be burnt from different sources so that the pulverized-coal furnaces are operated with coals of varying quality. In this arrangement, it is disadvantageous that, when coals of particularly low quality are burnt, this classifier is not capable of supplying the fineness of pulverized coal required for proper combustion. The invention has the object of creating a centrifugal air classifier of the type initially mentioned which provides the possibility of proper combustion of several types of coal in a pulverized-coal furnace.

Abstract: A furnace (10) having burner means (12) associated with it for burning a sulfur-bearing fuel. Sorbent material, such as limestone, is introduced through nozzles (34) along a pipe (32) extending across the width of the furnace above the nose (31) in the upper portion of the furnace, so that the pipe and the sorbent are protected from heat radiation from the combustion within the furnace.

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing an opening (12) in the end face (13) of a rotating drum (10), including a stationary backing plate (24), annular seal ring (20), surrounding the opening and extending in a sealing manner between the backing plate and the end face, resilient means (30 or 52) biasing the sealing ring into contact with the end face, and adjustable means (36 or 56, 58) for varying the force exerted by the resilient means.

Abstract: An integral gas compressor-prime mover utilizes the prime mover power shaft (18) to drive a crank plate (20). The plate (20) includes a plurality of securing sites (40) among which a crank pin (24) is selectably securable for changing the stroke length of the reciprocating compressor piston (56). A crosshead connector asembly (32) is provided to linearize the motion of the crank pin (24).

Abstract: A reduced length venturi type flow measuring device having a peripheral flow restricting surface 22, 30, 20 and a central hub 40 with flow restricting surfaces 42, 48, 52. Anti-spin vanes 60 support the hub. Pressure taps 60, 62 permit flow measurement, and temperature may be measured, 72, between adjacent vanes.

Abstract: A stationary impact attenuation system (10) for reducing the severity of vehicular collisions occasioned by an errant vehicle striking an immovable object. The subject stationary impact attenuation system (10) includes support means (14), impact attenuating means (12) and protective means (16). The support means (14) is located in juxtaposed relation to an immovable object and so as to lie between the immovable object and an oncoming errant vehicle. The impact attenuating means (12) is positioned in supported relation on the support means (14) and is selectively operative to entrap an errant vehicle striking the stationary impact attenuation system (10) at a first location and to redirect an errant vehicle striking the stationary impact attenuation system (10) at a second location.

Abstract: A control system (44, 112) particularly adapted to be cooperatively associated with a mill (10) and in particular a roller mill (10) of the type that is operative to effectuate the grinding and/or pulverization of solid materials. When so employed, the subject control system (44, 112) enables the roller mill (10) to be operated over a wide range of varying levels of output of pulverized material, while yet ensuring that both the proper air/solids ratio and the desired degree of fineness of the pulverized material are being maintained. To achieve this result, the subject control system (44, 112) is operatively connected in circuit relation with the feed means (12) that supplies to the roller mill (10) the material that is to be pulverized therein, with the drive means (20, 22) through which the mill (10) is driven, with the classifier means (38) that effects a separation of the pulverized material according to fineness, and with the means which receives the output from the roller mill (10).

Abstract: A high efficiency separator system (10) operative for processing material that includes grinding means (12), high efficiency separator means (14), dust collector measn (16) and fan means (18) all of which are interconnected in a predefined flow path. In accord with the nature of the construction of the subject high efficiency separator system (10), the grinding means (12) is connected to the high efficiency separator means (14) and the high efficiency separator means (14) in turn is interconnected to both the grinding means (12) and the dust collector means (16) whereby the mode of operation of the subject system (10) is such that the material supplied to the system (10) is ground in the grinding means (12), is classified on the basis of particle size in the high efficiency separator means (14), and ultimately is discharged from the dust collector means (16) in the form of finished product which consists of material that has been ground to a predetermined particle size.

Abstract: A non-linear pipe segment, such as an elbow or the like, is disclosed having an inner liner (14) of a wear-resistant material. The outer shell of the segment is in two halves (10, 12) which are coated with a layer of bedding material (16) before being secured around the lines (14) by clamps (28).

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and evaluating the degree of risk associated with continued operation of a nuclear power plant while one or more plant components has failed or is otherwise unavailable. The apparatus has several functional sections, including means for storing a plant-specific data base of component-level core damage logic paths and component level failure probabilities, means for selecting plant condition scenarios by modifying the component failure probabilities to represent plant components actually or potentially unavailable, means for associating a figure of merit with the change in risk of core damage resulting from the unavailable components, and means for displaying the figure of merit relative to a base or reference value. As an interactive tool in the plant, the apparatus PSES displays the probability or risk of core damage almost instantly for any given state of plant readiness.

Abstract: A pulverizer, i.e., grinding, roll (18) of the type that is particularly suited for embodiment in a bowl mill (10) wherein the roll (18) coacts with another surface (14) within the mill (10) to effect the pulverization therewithin of a material such as coal. The subject roll (18) embodies a trimetal form of construction. More specifically, the core material, i.e., the first or inner layer (50), of the trimetal roll (18) consists of a relatively soft material that is noted for its good machinability. The next, i.e., second or intermediate, layer (52) of the trimetal roll (18) comprises a material that has medium wear-resistant qualities. The last, i.e., third or outer, layer (54) of the trimetal roll (18) comprises a material having highly abrasive resistant qualities. In addition there is provided a method of manufacturing such a trimetal roll (18).

Abstract: A pulverizer, i.e., grinding, roll (18) of the type that is particularly suited for embodiment in a bowl mill (10) wherein the roll (18) coacts with another surface (14) within the mill (10) to effect the pulverization therewithin of a material such as coal. The subject roll (18) embodies a trimetal form of construction. More specifically, the core material, i.e., the first or inner layer (50), of the trimetal roll (18) consists of a relatively soft material that is noted for its good machinability. The next, i.e., second or intermediate, layer (52) of the trimetal roll (18) comprises a material that has medium wear-resistant qualities. The last, i.e., third or outer, layer (54) of the trimetal roll (18) comprises a material having higly abrasive resistant qualities. In addition, there is provided a method of manufacturing such a trimetal roll (18).

Abstract: A device (10) is provided that is operative for purposes of accomplishing the drilling, boring and tapping of a relatively large size opening (106) in a body (17) while the latter is located in a hostile environment. The subject device (10) is characterized both in that it is portable and in that the boring and tapping functions are combined into the same device (10). The subject device (10) includes fixture means (18) for effecting the alignment of the device (10) relative to the opening (106) that is to be bored and tapped, support means (14) having a surface supported thereon in juxtaposed relation thereto, first operating means (16) supported on the aforesaid surface for movement relative thereto in a predetermined direction, and second operating means (104) cooperatively associated with the first operating means (16) for movement therewith and operative for purposes of performing certain machining operations.

Abstract: An alloy characterized by its highly abrasive resistant qualities which render it particularly suitable for use as the material from which to fabricate the external surface of a grinding, i.e., pulverizer, roll (18) of the type that is designed to be employed in a bowl mill (10) so as to be operative therein for purposes of effecting the pulverization of a material such as coal through the coaction of the grinding roll (18) with another surface (14) with which the bowl mill (10) is provided for this purpose. The subject alloy which is capable of being cast or applied to the grinding roll (18) in the form of a weld overlay comprises, by weight percentages, 4.0-6.0% Carbon; 3.0-14.0% Manganese; 1.0-2.5% Silicon; 15.0-30.0% Chromium; and 4.0-6.0% Molybdenum; with 0.5-2.0% Boron being added thereto, the balance being iron and incidental impurities.

Abstract: A vane wheel arrangement (30) particularly suited for use in a bowl mill (10) of the type that is employed for purposes of effecting therewithin the pulverization of materials such as coal. The subject vane wheel arrangement (30) which is positioned within the bowl mill (10) so as to be located in the path of flow of the air that in flowing through the bowl mill (10) transports therewith the pulverized material, is operative to effect a primary classification of the pulverized material. Encompassed within the subject vane wheel arrangement (30) are vane means (36) supported on the rotatable grinding surface (14) of the bowl mill (10) for rotation therewith, and a converging/diverging orifice means (38) located in spaced relation to the rotatable grinding surface (14). Both the vane means (36) and the exposed surfaces of the converging/diverging orifice means (38) are formed of a material that is noted for its good abrasive resistant qualities.

Abstract: A vane wheel arrangement (30) particularly suited for use in a bowl mill (10) of the type that is employed for purposes of effecting therewithin the pulverization of materials such as coal. The subject vane wheel arrangement (30) which is positioned within the bowl mill (10) so as to be located in the path of flow of the air that in flowing through the bowl mill (10) transports therewith the pulverized material, is operative to effect a primary classification of the pulverized material. Encompassed within the subject vane wheel arrangement (30) are vane means (36) supported on the rotatable grinding surface (14) of the bowl mill (10) for rotation therewith, and a converging/diverging orifice means (38) located in spaced relation to the rotatable grinding surface (14). Both the vane means (36) and the exposed surfaces of the converging/diverging orifice means (38) are formed of a material that is noted for its good abrasive resistant qualities.

Abstract: A control system (10) employable for purposes of effecting the operation of a plurality of actuable devices, which are located at a subsea site, from a position that is remote therefrom. More specifically, the subject control system (10) is particularly suited for employment for purposes of hydraulically effecting the operation of the valves of a subsea christmas tree (30). To this end, the subject control system (10), on the one hand, is connected in fluid flow relation with a surface control center (16) from which hydraulic fluid is supplied under pressure, and, on the other hand, is connected to a subsea sequence valving means (12) which receives the hydraulic fluid under pressure from the surface control center (16) and in turn transmits hydraulic power to the operators (46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56) of the christmas tree valves to cause the latter to move in accordance with a predetermined operating program (32).